Jose Aldo is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters currently signed to the UFC but his rise and continued success at the pinnacle of the 145lb division has never been based around his ability to promote fights.
Aldo (25-1) will meet Conor McGregor in the next defence of his featherweight strap and the Irishman has had no difficulty in self-promoting his way into title contention.
And Andre Pederneiras, the head coach at Aldo’s gym, has revealed that he wants all of his Nova Uniao fighters, including Aldo, to begin talking up their bouts more.
Pederneiras, who fought in the early days of the UFC against Pat Miletich, said: “It’s something to learn. They were told their whole lives to respect their opponent, be polite. Japanese style.
“But America’s culture is different. They want to see a show and you have to adapt. It isn’t a quick thing. Brazilians don’t like to say some kinds of things, that’s why many of them don’t adapt.”
Aldo has been typically reserved and business-focused ahead of his fights which was clear for all to see with his lack of reaction when McGregor (17-2) hopped the octagon to confront him after the Dubliner’s latest victory over Dennis Siver last month.
But in Pederneiras’ interview with AGFight, as transcribed by Bloody Elbow, the Brazilian says that Aldo is well on his way to improving that part of his game.
He said: “I believe that Aldo is going to be more and more comfortable with fight promotion.”
If we have both Aldo and “The Notorious” trash-talking ahead of their July clash for the featherweight title then we’re in for a very entertaining few months.
